What does the acronym AWHC stand for in soil science?

The acronym AWHC stands for Available Water Holding Capacity, which is a crucial concept in soil science. This term refers to the amount of water that soil can retain for use by plants after excess water has drained away and before the plants begin to experience moisture stress. This capacity is primarily influenced by the soil texture, structure, and organic matter content.

Understanding AWHC is essential for effective agricultural practices, sustainable land management, and water resource planning because it helps farmers and land managers determine how much irrigation may be needed, the potential for drought conditions, and the overall health of soils. Soils with high AWHC can support a wider variety of plants and require less frequent watering, thus contributing to more sustainable practices.